SAINTS' Junior Academy under-18s defeated fierce rivals Wigan Warriors 26-18 in a fiery encounter at Wigan.

The goalkicking of stand-off Matty Smith proved decisive in a game that saw three players dismissed.

Saints led 26-8 at the break and withstood a Wigan fightback in the second half to take the spoils.

Rob Burkhill (2), Ian Webster and Paul Clough scored the Saints' tries, with the sure-footed Smith booting five goals, while Wigan also recorded four touchdowns but were only able to add the extras to one.

THE club's Academy Foundation under-16s also enjoyed an away win, defeating Halifax 36-14.